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Who We Are

We are the Department of Recreation and Parks, stewards to over 16,000 acres of parkland, offering extensive recreational, social and cultural programs at 444 park sites in every Los Angeles neighborhood from the valley to the sea.

We are proud to be one of the City’s most comprehensive social service providers, offering an array of diverse, interesting and comprehensive recreational programs to serve youth, adults and seniors.

We take pride in supporting the City’s urban wilderness and open spaces by maintaining and caring for the park urban tree canopy, 13 lakes and 92 miles of hiking trails that contribute to LA’s vast natural resources.

We oversee Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, and home to a number of historic venues and landmarks such as the world-class Griffith Observatory, the iconic Greek Theatre and the famous Hollywood Sign.

We own and operate Venice Beach, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and 12 museums, which attract millions of residents and visitors from around the world.

We are focused to restore and enhance the safety and enjoyment of park patrons; increase recreational programming; support greater park access and equity; support the Los Angeles River Revitalization; implement increased sustainability practices and projects; maximize private-public partnerships and improve customer service.

We are public recreation in Los Angeles, one of the World’s greatest cities, and as General Manager, I am proud and honored to support these goals and to work with our 1400 full time, 5,000 part-time/seasonal employees, 35,000 volunteers and park partners to build healthy communities that will make Los Angeles one of the most livable cities in America.

We are your Department of Recreation and Parks.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Shull – General Manager

ABOUT US

A Department of Parks was included in the City's first Freeholder Charter, adopted in 1889. Placed under its jurisdiction were parks and public land that had been set aside for the perpetual use of the community in the original Spanish land grants.